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Scott remains on paid administrative leave

By Ryan Boetel rboetel@daily-times.com

Updated:
01/21/2013 09:45:03 PM MST

FARMINGTON — Police said the investigation into the officer-involved shooting in Farmington on New Year's Day is still active and the sergeant who fired the fatal shots is still on paid administrative leave.

Farmington Police Lt. Taft Tracy said Scott tried to use a Taser on Chavez but it was ineffective. He then escalated his force and used his gun.

Police said Chavez was holding a "blunt-impact weapon" when he was shot. He had also called police and reported he had killed a woman though police have yet to find any evidence to back up that claim.

New Mexico State Police are investigating the shooting. The agency will report its findings to the district attorneys office and the office will decide whether further action needs to be taken against Scott, Lt. Robert McDonald said.

Tracy said Farmington police will also internally review the incident but he expects there to be a conclusion coming soon.

Farmington Police Chief Kyle Westall will decide if and when Scott can return to duty, Tracy said. Westall will review the state police investigation and a psychological report before he makes the decision, Tracy said.

Scott joined the Farmington Police Department in 1996. He has been involved in officer-involved shootings three times in his career. Two of those shootings were fatal.

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